Odd. Although I too am buried behind screens all the time (and thus can't see the point of a desktop theme - especially an animated one that eats up resources like DreamScenes), I do notice the avatars at least in my peripheral vision. Richard's doesn't bother me at all (perhaps because it rotates and is a bit dark) whereas Chase's does sometimes distract me. You are the only two I can think of at the moment with animated ones. One thing - Richard's shows up in my Friend's list and the profile area whereas Chase's is just a white box. Until now, I thought it was the animation, but it must be something else as well (perhaps filetype). Richard, you should check with Chase and see if you can get his to work in the other areas as yours does - I find the blank white box disturbing.
I do find I look at avatars from time to time (while checking for new rep pips or badges to offer congratulations) - and noticed the day Smurfyy changed his - though he said it was only temporary and the old Smurff would return (but I haven't been there yet today). Richard, when staring at yours MrNeeds is right, it can be a bit mesmerizing and I suspect it could be used by a hypnotist. I also sometimes stare at my own as I like it a lot and find it inspiring (he's always been my favorite hero ever since I first started reading comics as a kid). There are others I also like as well, but there are some I can't imagine anyone would even post let alone use as an avatar - different tastes I suppose.
just for the masses, what does it mean?
